21/10/2023: A last-ditch Cratloe goal sees them over the line against a very determined Kildysart in the opening round of the U21B championship. With Kildysart up by one, Cratloe was awarded a free in the dying minutes of the match directly in front of goal, about 30 metres out. The goalie came up to take the point which would have seen the sides draw level. In a cruel twist of fate, the ball hit off the near side upright and rebounded into the square. Cratloe gathered and fired to the net but a diving goal line save by Conal Casey saved Kildysart. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the rebound ended up with Cratloe scrambling their second effort to the back of the net. Final score: Kildysart 1-12, Cratloe 4-5.
Today’s match marked the first time Kildysart has competed for the John Joe Hehir Cup since their 2019 victory over Wolfetones, thanks to the removal of the restriction of teams playing by themselves and in an amalgamation at U21 level. Kildysart started brightly and the Hassett brothers notched up three points (Conor x2, Alan x1) before Cratloe opened their account in the 8th minute. Two more from Conor Hassett had the Blues up 5 points to one before Cratloe was awarded a penalty, which they duly converted in the 18th minute. Cratloe struck for another goal to give them the lead for the first time but Kildysart struck back for their only major when Fergal Ginnane darted around the Cratloe defense and stuck the ball into the left corner. Cratloe scored the last point of the half to see the sides level at the break, Kildysart 1-6, Cratloe 2-3.
Cratloe raided for their third goal in the opening minutes of the restart but Kildysart soon restored parity. Two points from Conor Hassett and one from Jack Cotter who got on the end of a quickly taken free and charged up the field to slot between the posts. Harrison Scanlon was causing all kinds of problems for Cratloe up and down the pitch and won a well-earned free in the 45th minute, which Conor Hassett converted to put Kildysart in front by the minimum, Kildysart 1-10 to Cratloe 3-3. Cratloe drew level once more in the 53rd minute but two more frees from Conor Hassett, who was shooting from all over the pitch, gave the Blues a two-point lead in the 58th minute, Kildysart 1-12, Cratloe 3-4. Cratloe converted a free at the stroke of full time to leave just one between the sides, as the ref signaled for 3 minutes of injury time to come. And with basically no time remaining, Cratloe was awarded the free that would turn the match on its head. Final score: Kildysart 1-12, Cratloe 4-5. Referee: Pat Keane. Due to Clarecastle dropping out, the groups have been switched around a bit. Cratloe has a bye next week by virtue of their win today, and Kildysart travel to Parteen next weekend.
Kildysart: Rueben Ginnane, Jessie Collins, Fergal Ginnane (1-0-), Harrison Scanlon, Mark Moloney, Jamie Sheehan, Cillian Kelly, Conor Moloney-co-captain, Colm Finucane, Conal Casey, Jack Cotter (0-1), Alan Hassett (0-1), Cillian McQuaid, Conor Hassett-co captain (0-9, 5f), Joe Kelly. Subs: David Murphy for McQuaid (35 min), Cillian McQuaid for A. Hassett (51 min). Management: Kevin Kelly, Shane McNelis, Patrick Casey.
